St. John Vianney Church, Clayhall
1 Stoneleigh Road, Ilford, IG5 0JB
About
3/7 Compton
Tromba, Diapason, Tibia, Krummet, Strings (II Ranks), Flute + Melotone
A Number: 385
Current Transmission System: Compton Relays
Original Location: Ritz Cinema, Nuneaton
Original Opening Date: 22nd July 1937
History
1937: On the 22nd July the Ritz Nuneaton opened with Alex Taylor at the Compton complete with Union style illuminated surround. The same year Union Cinemas was taken over by ABC but maintained the title of Ritz.
1950: Cinema underwent refurbishment and changed name to ABC Nuneaton.
1967: The Compton was sold to a private buyer with the intention of a home installation. This fell through and the organ subsequently sold to Father Gerard Kerr who under the guidance of the American Theatre Organ Society installed the Compton in St John Vianney RC Church. The Compton at this stage lost its surround and was re-decorated to match the church décor.
1968: The Compton was complete and playing in November.
c1980’s: The Cinema Organ Society took over maintenance and promoted the organ in concert.
2016: Cinema Organ Society members took the console back to its original gold paint.
Chamber Layout
SOLO CHAMBER – Facing outwards
Tromba
Krummet
Tibia
Xylophone, Glockenspiel
ACCOMPANIMENT CHAMBER – Facing across
Diapason
Strings (II Ranks)
Flute
Traps/Effects
UNENCLOSED
Melotone (under expression)
Note: The 12 note Trombone off note chest is located in the Accompaniment Chamber